McDaniel Move 03/14/18

good evening, everyone. thanks for joining us. we're following a developing story this evening after a major announcement from mississippi republican chris mcdaniel. for months mississippians have been anticipating the race between him and senator roger wicker, but now, that's not happening. our scott martin joins us live in the studio to tell us the latest. scott? in a press release sent out a short time ago, chris mcdaniel says he's abandoning his primary challenge against senator wicker and will now run for the u-s senate seat vacated by senator thad cochran. that election is scheduled for november. just a day before the qualifying deadline for the mississippi senate race, mcdaniel through his name in the running. now this isn't mcdaniels first rodeo. ironically enough, he lost in the primaries against senator cochran back in 2014. in his statement today, mcdaniel stated he's heard from many constituents to run for the seat that will become open april first. at which point governor phil bryant will appoint an interim senator. thad cochran announced last month he'd be stepping down citing his health. mcdaniel says that he's listening to the people and feels an open seat is the best path to win an election tot the united states senate. also in his statement mcdaniel puts mitch mcconnell on blast stating he's done everything he can to keep mcdaniel from getting elected to the senate. earlier today we spoke with governor bryant on the upcoming vacancy and he said gotten advice on who to appoint and hopes to make an announcement next month. to see mcdaniels statement in full, just visit out website at wcbi dot com. of course we'll continue to monitor this story and bring you the very latest as we learn more.